Yes, we yearn for a better Government

Last week, leaders converged in a national cry of ‘the Kenya we want’ or, conversely, the Kenya we do not want. The Government had earlier unveiled a blueprint on the measures aimed at realising of its Vision 2030 dream.

Kenyans, however, have witnessed on many occasions varied pomposity in the articulation of policy directions and strategic intent on national development agenda. Many of these grand ideas, regrettably, have failed to inspire or be realised in what has now become an elusive dream of a better governance system.

It is this quest for a better tomorrow that we yearn for, as a people and a country. Thus, the call for ‘the Kenya we want’ is a preposition that represents a timely fundamental question.

We must, all of us, as leaders and a people, engage in serious introspection on what we truly desire. This desire must not be a rhetorical gesture, but rather practical, well thought out, methodical and sequenced measures to create the Kenya we want.

It is, indeed, through these concerted efforts, that we can together make a difference in the livelihood of all, today, tomorrow and in future.

Economic development architects must take into account the mobilisation of resources, and the current and future needs of the country.

The Kenya we want begins with the creation of a specific wish list of an ideal nation. It must then involve prioritisation and determination, as well as sequencing of those measures.

Further, it is critical that we identify and implement measures that have a fundamental positive impact in fulfilling our national aspiration. In this column, we have often expressed concern over many high-minded Government initiatives that have ultimately amounted to measures of futility.

It is instructive that over the last four decades we have seen discussions focused initially on a development dream of 2010, then 2020 and now 2030.

Let us now, consider what, we fundamentally yearn in the Kenya we want or rather tomorrow’s Kenya:

Accountable government

Firstly, let us consider the ultimate question: Who holds the key to the Kenya we want and success in the realisation of this dream? An accountable governance system represents the first pillar. Leadership steers national direction and delicate navigation of national reform agenda aspirations.

At outset, therefore, we must yearn for resolute leadership, which remains an indispensable factor in the determination of our growth and prosperity.

Thus, to realise our vision, there must be an absolute desire and demonstrable passion to achieve success. This must be inherently, purposeful so as to override anything else, including vested considerations, tribalism and corruption.

In retrospect, however, we appear not as a people, a country, to learn from our history, mistakes, misjudgement, corrupt practices and abuse of authority with impunity.

We have endlessly become captive of poor system of governance, lack of accountability, growing disparity between the poor and rich resulting in an entrenched poverty.

Secondly, yesterday, corruption was a factor for our elusive dream. Today, it is reigning supreme and impunity appears to have become high society’s norm. Leaders appear to seek positions in Government, not to make a better difference for the country, but for personal gain through greed and corruption.

As a people, we continue to yearn to become a modern democracy, build a permeating economic prosperity and, of course, have political stability, security and justice for all. We yearn for leadership to break with the past and create a truly accountable government, where corruption ceases to be a reward for affluence, but a magnet for punitive measures.

Kenyans must chart a new course for this country’s political and economic direction. This must begin with reforms aimed at creating accountable system of government.

Youth empowerment

The people hold the ultimate key of vesting power in a new constitution and insisting on accountable government, as such a government remains a prerequisite step for delivery of the Kenyan dream.

That is a critical pillar in the Kenya we want. The rest remain supporting pillars.

Thirdly, alleviation and eradication of poverty must become a matter of national emergency. The growing distance between the rich and the poor, characterised by growing number of unemployed educated youths, remains a major threat to Kenya’s political and social stability.

Indeed, it is the single largest mounting threat to national security, whose neutralisation rests not in the power of the gun, but in economic empowerment through resolute and accountable leadership.

We focus our development agenda on measures that create employment and encourages youth empowerment for productive engagement and wealth creation.

Further, nearly fifty years after Independence, Kenyans who are grappling with poverty, insecurity, tribalism, poor health services and poor infrastructure can no longer tolerate a corrupt system of government. The signs are crystal clear for anyone who cares to observe without any clairvoyance.

Finally, the creation of supportive infrastructure — such as railways, roads, power, water and health services — constitutes additional pillars of the Kenya we want, today, tomorrow and in future.

This is a matter of great public interest!

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